Dr. Clarence Sexton

Dr. Clarence Sexton, 75, of Powell, TN went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Since 1967, He faithfully served the Lord. He is survived by wife, Evelyn Sexton; sons, Shannon (Kristi) Sexton and Matt (Rhonda) Sexton; 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Born October 10, 1948, in Selma, AL, Clarence was the oldest of 4 siblings; Tommy, Katherine and Sheila. Clarence's parents divorced when he was 12. His father, Preston Thomas Sexton, died 2 years later. Clarence's mother, Ruby Lee Sexton, had a profound influence on his life.

When Clarence was 14, he began attending the First Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. A short time later, Clarence Sexton trusted Christ as his personal Saviour. He attended Everett High School and was the starting halfback on the football team for 4 years also becoming team captain. While at Everett, he met and fell in love with Mary Evelyn Rogers. They were married on February 15, 1967. The newlyweds attended Forest Hills Baptist Church. On July 27, 1967, Clarence Sexton answered God's call into Christian service. Days later, Pastor Hagan gave Clarence the opportunity to preach on his radio broadcast. Later, he preached his first message to a congregation at the Oak Street Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. In 1969, Greenback Memorial Baptist Church called him to be their pastor. While there, Clarence enrolled at the University of Tennessee, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education. Already having an Associates of Arts degree from Hiawassee College, he went on to complete his Masters of Religious Education, Doctorate of Ministry, Doctorate of Divinity and a Doctorate of Humanities.

From September 10, 1972 to August 10, 1975, Clarence was the pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Lenoir City, TN, then moved his family to Chattanooga, TN to serve at Highland Park Baptist Church and attend Temple Baptist Seminary. In 1980, he accepted the call of the Madison Avenue Baptist Church, in Paterson, NJ. Early on, he taught in the New York School of the Bible in Manhattan. On August 17, 1988, Dr. Clarence Sexton became the pastor of The Temple Baptist Church. The Lord led Pastor Sexton to launch a Bible club ministry in local public schools. Currently, there are weekly Bible clubs in all the area middle schools, high schools as well as in several elementary schools. In August of 1991, the doors of The Crown College opened. God gave Clarence Sexton a worldwide vision for The Temple Baptist Church and The Crown College. His pioneering spirit has led to the initiation the Christian Heritage Trust. At present, over 500 churches have been planted on every continent. Clarence Sexton also founded four summer youth camps reaching many young people including urban youth, Native Americans, and Hispanics. In addition, Clarence established Crown Christian Publications and FaithfortheFamily.com. Among these resources, he wrote over 100 books and booklets. From the publication of his first book until now, Crown Christians Publications has sold over a million copies of his material. The work and ministry of Clarence Sexton is God's work. He desired to reach every age of people in every area of the world because he understood that this is God's desire.

Friends may come to The Crown College, 2307 W. Beaver Creek Dr., Powell, TN 37849, between 8am-2pm on Wednesday, December 20th to pay their respects. The family will receive friends between 3-5 pm and 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm on Wednesday, December 20th at Temple Baptist Church, 1700 W. Beaver Creek Dr., Powell, TN 37849. The funeral service will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, December 20th at Temple Baptist Church. Graveside service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Clarence Sexton Memorial Fund at www.templebaptistchurch.com.

Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 W. Adair Dr., Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 689-8888. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com.